Stepping Stone shelter appoints new executive director

Kevin Martineau has been named executive director of Stepping Stone Emergency Housing.

Kevin Martineau

Martineau will continue Stepping Stone Emergency Housing’s mission of being a part of the solution to solve homelessness in Anoka County, while elevating it to a cutting-edge teaching shelter, according to Dan Jaeger, president of Stepping Stone Emergency Housing.

“With our significant growth, we needed a leader who was skilled in managing a growing non-profit, passionate about bringing an end to homelessness and possessed a keen vision for our future.

“Kevin Martineau met all that criteria and more. The board of directors is delighted to have Kevin leading our organization, and we’re confident that the communities we serve will find him extremely gifted in his new role.”

A life-long resident of Minnesota, Martineau has degrees from both Anoka-Ramsey Community College and Augsburg College.

His 30-year career in non-profits includes serving as the executive director of Merrick Inc., Love Inc. of NW Ramsey County and the American Indian Family Center.

“I believe that it is important to be involved with the issues that are of interest and of concern to one’s self,” said Martineau.

In addition to his past employment, he has been active in the communities where he lives and works including the East Side Prosperity Campaign, Blue Ribbon Commission on Racial Employment Disparities, Everybody In Employment Commission, Chisago County Waste Water Task Force and Chisago County Pheasants Forever.

Stepping Stone Emergency Housing is fortunate to have hired Martineau as its new executive director, according to Barb Wold, secretary of Stepping Stone Emergency Housing.

“The hiring team saw in Kevin the ability to communicate with folks in all walks of life,” Wold said. “He is personable, articulate, innovative and responsive.

“Under Kevin’s direction we look forward to [Stepping Stone Emergency Housing] serving as a shelter that not only houses single adults but gives them the tools to become successful citizens.”